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Darwin Seniors Expos

On Darwin Seniors Expo 2025

• Great to attend the COTA NT Seniors Expo at the Darwin Netball Stadium this morning!The Expo was officially opened by Lia Finocchiaro MLA, and it was fantastic to see hundreds of seniors coming together to connect, gather information, and explore the wide range of services and supports available. From health and wellbeing to community activities and lifestyle options, the stalls were full of helpful resources—and lots of friendly faces! A big thank you to COTA NT and all the stallholders for putting together such a valuable event for our seniors. Jinson Anto Charls MLA
• Another great expo, thank you to all concerned. Marg Hodgetts
• Lovely morning tea, great information and displays by all the exhibitors thanks COTA NT and Happy 10th Anniversary. Annette Brown
• Really impressed that when I declined the sandwich, saying “I’m gluten free”, the lovely lady said: “just wait, I’ll get a plate for you.” She returned with a plate full of goodies, including a brownie. Thank you to whoever went to the effort of making sure GF people didn’t miss out – and I noticed the milk for tea / coffee was lactose free too. Well done, and thank you! Joy Wood
• Once again a great Expo. Thanks for all the time and effort that went into organising the event. Sharon Challen
• Very well done, Sue and crew! Denise Lawungkurr Goodfellow
• Found it very interesting. There was so much information, help and support at the booths. Very informative day. Thank you Victoria Geraghty
• Getting bigger and better. Carparking was over flow. I think there were more stalls. And good food. . COTA did a great job. Congratulations. Thank you. May Hulme
• Hi Sue and team, Thank you so much for hosting such a fantastic expo over the weekend . It was a truly wonderful event! A special shoutout to Lorna, who was incredibly helpful on the day.
  Camina, Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
• Congratulations again Sue to you and COTA staff for a great EXPO. We are lucky to have you all and I did not stop talking and listening for 4 hrs straight. A huge need out there for information and aging population Well done. Julie Rankin NT Dept of Health
• I wanted to send through a big thank you and well done to you and the entire COTA team, we had a fantastic day on Saturday! The Expo was exceptionally well run and it was such a pleasure to be part of it. Thanks again for having us on Saturday, we really enjoyed it. Jordan Tuit, Hostplus NT Manager
• Thank you for an amazing weekend, the expo was such a great opportunity for us to connect with the local seniors and share our resources. Thank you so much again! Ally Slack, Neighbourhood Watch NT
• The Probus Clubs of Darwin and Palmerston thank COTA for their huge effort making the Seniors’ Expo 2025 such an enjoyable, successful day. What a huge effort you all made.
  Congratulations from us all. Lyn Barlow, Probus Club of Darwin Inc
• Thank you so much COTA NT! We were blown away by the response to our stall! Looking forward to collaborating with you all to help increase access to digital literacy support for your community! Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association

On Darwin Seniors Expo 2024

• “Dear Sue, Lorna, Kim, Jan, Stephanie, Cecilia, Ollie and the only bloke in the office, A very big thank you from Our Common Threads for the wonderful day on Saturday. I believe the exposure really got us out there into the community. Fingers crossed, we will benefit with new members. Congratulations on a wonderful EXPO,” Yvonne Corby Our Common Threads 
• We received  a call from Mike Myers to congratulate COTA on Expo. He is a long term Territorian, a previous school principal and wanted to let you know that he was most impressed. A very professional Seniors Expo, loved the dancing and a great cup of tea.
• “Thank you COTA NT. As always, we had a great day at Seniors’ Expo today. All at COTA NT did a great job every year.” May Hulme
• “An excellent day. A great opportunity to catch up with fellow seniors, complimented by entertainment and morning tea. The new exhibitor layout was excellent. Thank you to all involved.” Allan Mitchell
• “Thank you COTA for a most enjoyable day. Found people at the stands very helpful.” Gladys Burlinson
• “Thank you to each and everyone one of you for an excellent Expo. Loved it. The catering, the entertainment and the exhibitor’s fantastic. Was great to see some male focused exhibitors e.g. prostate. Thankyou.” Sharon Challen
• “Congratulations COTA NT An excellent Expo.” From all at HPA Helping People Achieve
• “Fabulous event .. so informative .. congrats to the committee.” Mary Grace
• “Well done COTA NT.” Joan Mettam
• “We just went home with great coffees and iced chocolate after being at the COTA expo. It was well worth the visit.” Driscoll Fireland
• “The expo is excellent thank you.” Marg Hodgetts
• “An excellent morning well done COTA NT and so much information available.” Annette Brow
• “Awesome event.” Susie Early

On Darwin Seniors Expo 2023

• “Enjoyable and had a great time.” Teresita F
• “Very impressed with the number of stalls giving a huge variety of helpful information. “ Sue A

Favourite moments

• “Listening to the good old songs what the Pearl Choir were singing and the displays.” Lucy S
• “Some highlights were: Driving the mobile scooters, visiting all of the stalled, listening to the band and the outside morning tea but loved it all.” Liz C
• “Getting to know what was available, being able to talk to people at tables/displays that were relevant to me. ” Denyse B
• “Seeing what was on offer for Senior Territorians and having everything in one place.” Sharon Challen
• “Wandering through the stalls, but I equally enjoyed the entertainment and free bbq!” Caroline B
• “Accessing so much information on what is available now that I’ve retired and moved up here.” Suzanne Shute
• “I found all the stalls with information relevant, interesting and sometimes aboutthings I didn’t know.” Mara Dobrini
• “It’s always a very positive event. I have enjoyed attending the last few and think the venue is perfect. ” Audika
• “As always every thing appeared to run very smoothly, the layout is great and assistance always on hand if required. Job well done COTA team :)” Greenfields Living
• “Well organised and coordinated event.” Darwin Community Legal Service
• I just wanted to say Thank You to you and staff and volunteers for organising such a brilliant EXPO.  It seems to get better each year and this was no exception. As a representative of the four TOP END Probus Clubs we all enjoyed the EXPO ourselves but we also enjoyed the opportunity to share information about our clubs. Everything was provided for us and there was so much entertainment and food and drinks supplied in addition to the information and giveaways. You all did such a good job, it is a major event in the top end and it is not easy motivating seniors but you mastered it. Thank you again, well done. Regards Marilyn Roberts, Palmerston Probus Secretary

On Darwin Seniors Expo 2022

• “Mr Deputy Speaker, this evening I speak about a few things that have happened since Parliament last time. As the month of August comes to a close so does the Seniors Month calendar. It was a pleasure to attend COTA’s Seniors Expo in Darwin earlier in the month. It was a great morning with so many more stalls than last year, singing and dancing by the seniors—which was fantastic—to the old music, which I thoroughly enjoyed. There were many service providers there also to assist seniors in a number of ways. ” Mrs Jo Hersey, MLA Katherine to 14th Assembly 55th Session, 30 August 2022 (Adjournment Speech)
• The Darwin Expo likely better than the one organised in Adelaide.” Pat Simmons
• “Went to the Expo, though it was great. Plenty information on every stall. Will be there next time.” B O’Doherty
• “Congratulations on such a successful event, what a great turnout!” Ana Nunez, Volunteering NT
• “COTA management, staff and many volunteers need to be congratulated on the delivery of another great community project. The CDU Netball Stadium at Marrara, is an ideal venue as it is accessible, spacious, airconditioned with all the required amenities and ample free parking spaces. Our information stall was in a clearly visible location and staffed by Monica, Allan, John S and Don. We had very good discussions with many people, probably the best we have experienced so far, which was very pleasing. As well, practically all our hand out literature was taken up.” Don Lockyer, Prostate Cancer Support
• “Thank you again for inviting MVR to be a part of the Seniors Expo. We received positive engagement from the 2,500 Seniors in attendance and were asked a lot of questions which we were able to answer. We also registered some customers in the MVR database so they will receive their vehicle registration and driver licence concessions in the future. It was a great opportunity and we really appreciated your offer to join along so thank you.” Road Safety NT, Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics
• “Thank you COTA. And Congratulations. COTA has done it again. Seniors ‘ expo is always a great success. The highlight of the year. Always enjoy it. And the venue is super with plenty of car parking.  All the best.” May and John Hulme
•  “I would like to offer my sincere thanks to everyone who helped make the Seniors Expo at the Netball Stadium an outstanding success. The number of people attending this event is increasing each year and its popularity is spreading.
  It is because of dedicated COTA Staff and Volunteers who put a lot of time and effort into this event that make it the great event it is becoming.  THANK YOU very much from the bottom of my heart for all your effort it is very much appreciated. Cheers” Jan Jewell, COTA NT Chair
• “Most enjoyable, well done and the band from Pearl was great.” Angela J
• “This was my first time attending the Seniors Expo and I have to congratulate everyone involved in organising this event. My friend and I had a great time and picked up some really great information about what is available to Seniors. So thankyou so looking forward to next years already.” Sharon C
• “It was my first time attending, it was very informative, well organised and well attended, looking forward to next years” Dot M

On Darwin Seniors Expo 2021

• “Congratulations to all at COTA NT for the great job at Seniors Expo. We enjoyed it very much. The venue was great and spacious with ample of underground car parking. The exhibits were good and informative. Lots of presents. The COTA staff were very helpful. Plenty of entertainment. It was a great success. Thank you.” May Hulme
•  “Congratulations COTA on a successful 6th annual Seniors Expo. Well done to all involved. … Board, staff, and volunteers.” Maria Scarlett
• “A great event, the COTA organisers have excelled themselves, creating a hard act to follow in 2022. Many thanks.” Allan Mitchell
• “Thank you for a great event. Thanks especially for the children’s activities, my little grandsons had a ball.” Patricia Stephenson
• “It was great..thanks everyone!” Fiona Foster Darcy

On Darwin Seniors Expo 2016 

• “Thank you to everyone who helped in such a fantastic day.” Robin Knox
• “I thought it was a great day and appreciate the effort and planning that is behind pulling the Expo together. Well done. Sharon Tentye
• “GREAT EXPO TODAY!!!! It was really well organised and just a lovely venue and day.” Tania Roberts

• “…very special community event.” Mayor of Darwin, Katrina Fong Lim 
• “Thank you Steph, Can I just say that programme looked absolutely incredible!  What a FANTASTIC job you and the team have done!” Miriam Nuttall
• “Really good event at the Seniors Expo! We signed plenty of new clients and tested over 40 people throughout day! All your hard work really paid off” Faye Dickson, Australian Hearing
• “Hi Sue, Lina and Steph, Yesterday’s Expo was a very successful event. I know how much effort is put in by Sue, LIna and Steph especially pulling all this together. On behalf of the board and myself I would like to thank you and all the volunteers who helped to make this the success it was. It certainly puts COTA’s name out there in front of seniors and organisations as the peak body for seniors in the Territory. Once again thank you very much for all your efforts.” Jan Jewell Chair, COTA NT

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Alice Springs Seniors Expos

On Alice Springs Seniors Expo 2025

• “Congratulations to yourself and your team Sue. Job well done. What a wonderful group and lovely weather as well. Great catering and entertainment. Masseurs worth their weight in gold. Loved the bikers ! Very informative and friendly groups Thankyou again.” Julie Rankin, NT Council of Elders Representative
• “This [Qi Gong] class was great and the location perfect. Well done on the Expo it was fantastic and well received. Kind regards” Helen, Change with Hypnotherapy
• “Hi Janet, I would just like to thank you and COTA for a very successful Expo. It provided a great opportunity for all the exhibitors to engage with the public and for local residents to find many avenues of information relative to their needs and interests. One person said it should be a twice a year event. While there were a few less exhibitors than last year, space wise it felt very comfortable, and allowed for a lot of socialising, with many people catching up who don’t always have the opportunity. Bosom Buddies appreciated having the chance to promote the upcoming BreastScreening at Eurilpa House, and were able to answer questions from women on the issue of breast cancer. Thank you again, Warm regards, Lesley Reilly, Bosom Buddies NT
• “Congratulations on a great expo yesterday, it was lovely to participate!” Carmel Davis, Alice Springs Town Council
• “We had the best day at the @cotanorthernterritory Seniors Expo. I was certainly put to shame, with a lot of our stall visitors beating me in the Hand Grip Challenge! Our Hand Grip Strength exercise let us do a little test to measure our nutrition status, while on the go at the busy expo.” Katelyn Paterson, Desert Dieticians

On Alice Springs Seniors Expo 2024

• “We finished up at the EXPO about an hour ago. Was great to be there and get people excited about the Masters Games so thank you for having us. Thanks again.” Joe Alice Springs Masters Games

On Alice Springs Seniors Expo 2023

• “The excellence of the Seniors Expo is quite a talking point in town at the moment.” Lesley
• “A great day had by all.” Alice Springs Seniors Citizens
• “We had a great day at the Seniors Expo organised by COTA NT and Alice Springs Town Council. There was some dancing, live music and more than 50 information stalls.” Mental Health Association Central Australia
• “I just wanted to reach out and congratulate you on an absolutely fantastic event yesterday. The turnout and vibe was great, and most importantly we got to connect with many potential clients and other stakeholders to let them know what we’re all about and how we can help. Thank you so much for having us.” Services Australia

On Alice Springs Seniors Expo 2022

• “Last week I attended the Seniors Expo in Alice Springs as part of Seniors Month. Organised by the Council on the Ageing, or COTA, it was a hive of activity. There were the information stalls one would expect, but as well there were live performances, entertainment, displays, talks and so much more. It was full of colour and life. Being able to meet and talk to some of the elders brought home to me the contributions they make, as senior Territorians and, indeed, senior Australians, not just to their families but to their communities. A lot of those seniors have lived in Alice Springs most of their lives and made an immense contribution to that community…I want to acknowledge Sue Shearer, who is the CEO of COTA NT, Fran Kilgariff and all of the other directors of the COTA board in Alice Springs for the important work and advocacy that they provide for senior Territorians in Alice Springs, and certainly for the work and advocacy they do throughout the Northern Territory. Marion Scrymgour MP, Lingiari (Download full speech on here)
• “Congratulations on a fantastic event, it was a great effort by all concerned. The program was well put together & I can imagine the work that went on behind the scenes to deliver it. The venue chosen was ideal being in doors out of the weather, secure & ease of movement for those needing care & assistance. There were an amazing number of exhibitors, well done to the organisers for getting them together. There were some I didn’t know we had in town or other services I didn’t know were available to seniors…The food was very good & plenty of it. The entertainment & promotion of activities from the various groups was excellent. It was great to see the audience get involved & appreciate the groups participating.. Again congratulations on a wonderful event, you can all be very proud of your efforts.  I look forward to next year’s event.” Coral Allan
• “Found everything satisfying” T Pratt
• “I liked the stalls – there was so much information” J O’Reilly
• “Dear Friends, Congratulations to COTA NT on the good work in Alice.” M Clinch
• “We’re having a grand time with volunteers and participants alike” Neighbourhood Watch Alice Springs

On SENIORS EXPO 2021 (Alice Springs)

• “Need a massive shout out too, to organisers and those who gave their time for our information and entertainment and chance to meet friends. Congratulations to all” Rosalie Breen
• “Thankyou COTA for a wonderful day, it was great to see so many friends , looking forward to seeing everyone next year” Phyllis Prescott

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Katherine Seniors Expos

On Katherine Seniors Expo 2024

• “I wanted to express my appreciation for NT COTA’s work and advocacy for Senior Territorians. I recently attended the Senior Expo in Katherine, where community members provided positive feedback.”  Selena Uibo MLA, Member for Arnhem
• “Dear Lorna and team, We just want to reach out with a note of thanks for a terrific COTA NT expo in Katherine last week. The Salvation Army Katherine Corps team along with our rural and remote chaplains, Majors Michelle and Niall Gibson, were so pleased with the stall we had. You had us in a terrific position where we could make connections with the valued seniors of this community and rural and remote community members as well. 
• We greatly appreciate all of your hard work- as well as the yummy treats for lunch. Thanks again for all the support and congratulations on a good event.” Tony Barford and Sandra Mortimer, Salvation Army Corps Officers, Katherine 

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Programs

Programs: Activities | Aged Care Navigators | NT Seniors Card | PICAC NT | Volunteering

Activities

• On Seniors Month Calendar production in Parliamentary address 1 Aug 2025 “COTA NT have once again done a fantastic job administering and publishing the NT Seniors Month Calendar” Hon Jinson Charls, MLA Minister for Seniors
• On AGED CARE FORUM August 2022 (Alice Springs) “Hi Deb, I really enjoyed the forum yesterday, the calibre of the speakers was excellent. Although not in the “system” yet I was heartened to hear of the improvements across the board in aged care. Congrats to all involved. Cheers” Pat McDonald
• On Bunnings craft workshop “To all of you our sincere thanks for this weeks arrangements. It was great to enjoy COTA’s hospitality. Today’s Bunnings session very enjoyable. Have a lovely weekend,” Vera and Franz Kratschmer
• On DCA weaving workshop “It was a fun morning. Thanks ladies.” Carol Ohh
• On Devonshire morning tea fundraiser “Very enjoyable morning, thanks” Angela James
• On iPad training “Thanks for the last few weeks. Have really enjoyed and learnt.” Marg Eldridge
• On Fit for Life programming “Attended my first Chair Pilates class last week and loved it. I felt this class would suit people who have back issues and are unable to do exercise on the floor. Sharon was terrific and I was surprised how hard we worked. I intend making it a regular when I am in town. Thanks Steph and Sharon.” Suzie Berger
• On Seniors Month BCC movie and morning tea “Great film thank you very much.” Denis Newsham

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Aged Care Navigators (access service to aged care)

• Following COTA NT’s decision to keep providing an Aged Care Navigator service (January 2023): “Dear Sue, Congratulations on your decision to continue with ACN in the face of losing the tender for ‘care finder’. You have an existing successful program, and to not be awarded the new contract is just another example of the Territory’s appalling tender process that appears to be solely based on cost rather than proven performance. Keep up with the good work and the turn-around that you and your team have achieved in recent years.” Regards Richard Layton
• “Wonderful news thank you. ” Di Rowley
• “A sincere thank you.  I am so glad we still have a local contact with a phone number everyone knows, even if we haven’t met Debbie yet.   Thank you, Sue and Debbie.  Thank you to everyone involved.” Kind regards Rosemary Coppock

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NT Seniors Card

Businesses

• “The customers who use this discount are very happy that they can use it with us as most of the time they need their glasses to see and at some points they can be quite expensive if they don’t have private health and/or the northern territory concession scheme which can greatly help patients in the scheme and/or the northern territory concession scheme which can greatly help patients in the scheme.” Elizabeth, OPSM
• “It helps customers to get items at a discounted price.” New Age Mobility
• “It’s been good so far considering the industry we are in.” Territory Funerals

Members

• “…it is a great initiative and we are grateful.” C Mallett
• “As a resident of Wagait Beach the seniors card give free travel on the ferry.” C Dunne
• “Useful for public transport.” M. James
• “Provides valuable discounts, including when interstate. I tend not to use for local small businesses but very valuable with entrance to museums, theatres, got 30% off train travel in Canada/US, discounts on public transport interstate. The scheme is widely recognised and supported.” J Munday
• “Good financial help with discounts in rates, PAWA, telephone and some retail shops.” A Tan
• “It is useful when traveling, even overseas.” D Stafford

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PICAC NT

• “Dear COTA Northern Territory, Thank you for the COTA resources including the Spring September-November addition and the Cultural Background Resources 2022. These resources will be displayed in the Arnhem electorate office for constituents. I want to express my appreciation for NT COTA’s work and advocacy for Senior Territorians.” Selena Uibo MLA, Member for Arnhem (writing to COTA NT CEO, Sue Shearer)

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Volunteering

• On volunteering “A very caring and loving team to be working with.” Di Barclay
• On volunteering “…feeling proud to be part of such a caring, sharing team with so much passion for helping our Senior Territorians.” Yvonne Smith

Support

Your Well-Being Your Plan – conversations facilitated by COTA NT

• On Consumer Directed Care “Hi Lina, Thank you so much for your response.  I nearly cried reading your email.   I was wondering, if I brought some of mum’s current contract and paper work in regards to her package and what she is currently receiving, would you mind going through this with me.  Even if it is to just explain what means “what”.  Once again, thank you so much for responding. Kind Regards” Coleen Harris 
• On providing support for Danila Dilba renal group “I would like to take this opportunity to deeply thank and acknowledge the support COTA has provided for our clients to continue their physical activity program and how welcoming and professional the team have been to us and our clients. Many thanks Kind regards” Karrina Demasi, Chronic Disease Care Coordinator Danila Dilba Health Service
• On the year’s work “Wishing Stephanie and COTA (NT) team A Very Merry Christmas and a Blessed Happy New Year 2017. Thank you all for your great job, for looking after the Senior Territorians in 2016.” Regards, John and May Hulme

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Membership 

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  COTA NT Members enjoying land-based fishing adventures in Berry Springs (September 2025)

  
  On COTA NT Members fishing trips “Hi Ken.  Just seeing the article of COTA’s award wins at the Export and Business Awards reminded me to write thanking you for the opportunity to partake in the barra fishing trip last Thursday.  It was a nice couple of hours, somewhat warm in temperature but well organised and a nice lunch.  Many thanks,” Allan and daughter Heather.
• On COTA NT Home Maintenance Service “Dear Steve, I would like to express my appreciation of COTA Home Maintenance programme, this initiative addresses a major deficit in the process of maintaining the mature aged in their own home. No other programme in either government of private system addresses this need. Being able to access assistance with all the tasks which are physically beyond the age provides a sense of security and comfort. Alan Trindle’s team carry out their tasks with professional efficiency and respectable consideration. Under Alan’s supervision and guidance their performance out matched many tradesmen.  It is a great comfort to know this high standard of service is available. My thanks to Mr Trindle and his team and to COTA for this very excellent service.” Yours sincerely Sheena Short
• On COTA NT News “Thank you to all COTA NT staff and volunteers for keeping us up to date, especially with things relating to NT seniors.”  Lorraine Donfeld
• On receiving COTA invitation to DEC “Am just back from the Peking Opera – was fabulous! everything about it was great, from the fabulous costumes, amazing facial expressions, acrobatics and all the dance! Thanks for the opportunity/ticket. Merry Christmas!” Frances Abbott
• On receiving COTA invitation to DEC “Thank you COTA for the tickets to the Peking Opera. It was a magnificent event. Happy Christmas from us both.” Fred and Lyn Barlow
• On receiving COTA invitation to DEC “For now, a BIG THANKYOU to Cota for organising the morning. I really enjoyed the performance, as did all I saw there and have been able to ask. Again, many thanks.” Fred Mitchell
• On receiving COTA invitation to DEC “Good Morning Stephanie, Just a note to thank you for the opportunity to attend this most enjoyable event. My friend and I really appreciated it, as well as the ideal seat allocation.
• What a great idea to be able to offer such an opportunity. Regards” Sandra Parker

Page updated September 2025